The development of NXT Journey’s range of bags started in 2013 with the Truckie Bag which was then subsequently launched in 2015. Since then, the business has evolved to offer a broad range of products for the transport industry.
Company founder Simon Sutherland said he’s the first to admit that the road has had some twists and turns, not to mention some holes that, at the time, didn’t seem to have a bottom.
What NXT Journey is most proud of is the fact that it has always moved forward, continually refining its range with new designs and improved fabrics and components, such as zippers.
The business has a saying: “We may not always get it right, but given the opportunity, we will always make it right.”
In April 2021 NXT Journey moved into its new building in Cootamundra NSW, which has enabled the business to bring its retail and warehousing under the one roof. It is in this building that NXT Journey will build its manufacturing capabilities going forward into 2022.
The company has some big goals over the next five years. Its first milestone is the manufacture of a new designed bag at its Cootamundra factory.
“Since starting NXT Journey, it has been a dream to bring our manufacturing back to Australia. We designed and manufactured some bags for a high school in Wollongong last year, so we know it is possible,” said Sutherland.
NXT Journey’s ultimate goal within the five-year period is to establish a factory in the United States. This will provide the opportunity to directly service that market. As a first step to achieving this goal, next year the business will finally get the opportunity to attend the Mid America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, Kentucky. “We were two weeks away from flying out to the show in 2020, but a little global pandemic put a stop to that. The show was again cancelled this year.”
Things happen for a reason. Although disappointing, sitting around whinging about not being able to go to MATS was not going to achieve anything. The two-year delay in attending the show has provided extra time to perfect bag designs so the company will head to the show in March better prepared.
“When I started NXT Journey with the Truckie Bag, I thought it was simply going to be a hobby. Design and manufacture a bag. Sell it online. Easy!,” said Sutherland.
“To now see us producing bags for some of the largest companies in Australia, and sending them to customers around the world, our expectations have well and truly been exceeded. But this is not where we find the most satisfaction. Our greatest satisfaction comes when we get feedback from customers saying that their new bag is the best they have ever owned. You cannot beat that.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has supported us along the way – the many drivers that have purchased our bags for their personal use, and the many companies that have purchased branded bags for their team, and clients.
“You have all played a part in what we are trying to achieve. I hope you will follow our story as we chase our dreams over the next few years.”